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MLB No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Picks & Predictions: Monday (6/5)

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We have eight games to choose from today with an exciting MLB debut. Andrew Abbott, who has been one of the biggest breakout stars of the 2023 season, has shot through the Minors and will make his debut today against the Brewers. We won’t make that one of our selections for today’s NRFI bets, but it’s a decent one to consider.

Season to Date: 19-16

Monday’s Best No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Bets

(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

Kansas City Royals at Miami Marlins – 6:40 PM ET

If you remove his blow-up start against the Braves, Braxton Garrett has been one of the best pitchers in all of baseball. The left-hander is slowly becoming Miami’s ace with a K/9 of more than one an inning and a low walk rate. HRs appear to be an issue on the surface, but that is skewed by one game where he allowed four. He faces the Royals’ offense today, and they have a 99 wRC+ against southpaws. While this is not far off from the league average, it is still in the bottom third. Garrett should have no issues keeping a clean first frame.

Carlos Hernandez gets the ball on the other side and his season has been less impressive on the surface. That being said, his underlying numbers are electric and he is operating as an opener in this one. He has a K5 over 30% and a walk rate right around 6%. He has allowed runs in his last two appearances, but he’s pitched two clean games as an opener. Miami has a 99 wRC+ on the season, which is solid but not spectacular. I strongly believe that Hernandez should be able to keep Miami off the board.

Pick: -120

Oakland Athletics at Pittsburgh Pirates – 7:05 PM ET

Johan Oviedo got off to a hot start in 2023 but has cooled off a bit lately. His major issue has been far too many walks, but he has decent strikeout stuff and has limited home runs. He’s had some rough numbers the first time through the order, however he gets to face a brutal Athletics offense. Their wRC+ as a team is 85, which is 26th in baseball. Oviedo has had some issues the first time through the order, but the Athletics offense is bad enough that he should be able to overcome them.

JP Sears has had an opposite season, with a rough April and an excellent May. He’s allowed too many homers, but he limits walks exceptionally well. He has similarly had issues the first time through the order, but the Pirates’ offense has struggled with a 90 wRC+ in the last thirty days. Sears appears to be breaking out on a poor team, which hides some of the real gains he’s made, and I believe that he can keep them rolling today.

Pick: -125

Also make sure to check out our other best bets for Monday:

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